China, Russia key constant in century-long global changes: Xi

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Wednesday that China and Russia have become a key constant in the world's profound changes unseen in a century.

He made the remarks while meeting the press together with Russian President Vladimir Putin after their talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Over the past 30 years, the positioning of China-Russia relations has been continuously elevated, reaching the highest level in history as a comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era and setting an example of a new type of major-country relations, Xi noted.

"This year marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation. Over the years, the two countries have faithfully upheld the principles of 'non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party' established in the treaty, while adhering to mutual respect, equality, honoring commitments with good faith, and win-win cooperation. Together, they have made important contributions to upholding international fairness and justice and promoting the building of a new type of international relations, becoming a key constant amidst profound global changes unseen in a century," Xi said.

According to the Russian president, the two countries are consistently advancing bilateral cooperation in the spirit of mutual respect, mutual assistance on an equal footing and mutual support.

"Russia-China relations are currently at an unprecedentedly high level and continue to grow. Our relationship is independent and not subject to the influence of the current world situation, standing as a model for relations between states and nations today. I believe this visit and the talks will further consolidate Russia-China friendship and promote the well-being and prosperity of our two peoples," Putin said.

Putin arrived in Beijing late on Tuesday night for a two-day state visit at the invitation of Xi. This is also his 25th visit to China.

China, Russia key constant in century-long global changes: Xi

China, Russia key constant in century-long global changes: Xi

China, Russia key constant in century-long global changes: Xi

China on Wednesday staged a grand welcome ceremony for Russian President Vladimir Putin, with both Chinese children and Russian reporters attending the event highlighting the strong people-to-people ties between the two nations.

At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Putin is visiting China from May 19 to 20. This is Putin's 25th visit to China.

Ahead of the ceremony on Wednesday morning, Chinese Guard of Honor and the military band were in high spirits, well poised for the occasion.

Among the welcoming crowd were Chinese students waving flowers to greet Putin.

One child said he had visited Russia and found the Russian people very warm and friendly. Another boy spoke fondly of the beautiful scenery he saw during a train journey to St. Petersburg. A girl warmly welcomed President Putin to China and wished him a pleasant stay.

A large number of Russian reporters were present to cover the significant event, witnessing firsthand the growing friendship between the two peoples.

Alina Salionova, a reporter from RT, highlighted the education exchanges between the two countries, as this year and the next year were designated as the China-Russia Years of Education.

"This is also the start of the China-Russia Years of Education. There are many Russian students studying in China, and many Chinese students studying in Russia. If you look around at Moscow State University, you will have a sense of familiarity, because there are many spicy hot pot restaurants near Russian universities," she said.

"I think the most significant change is the visa-free policy between Russia and China. This has significantly brought the people of the two countries and the two nations closer," said Nefedova Alena, a reporter of Russian newspaper Izvestia.

Welcoming crowd, reporters attending welcome ceremony for Putin share views on China-Russia friendship